breathe in 

. 

in a whirlwind of change, 

there’s lust for what doesn’t

.

breathe out

. 

the pho place that sighs

the same spiced steam,

the hallways stuffed 

with a deliciously stale musk,  

the stage whirring

like the same sound machine,

giving a voice to the light’s 

blending colors

.

breathe in

.

but it’s still different.

finally 

a weight lifts

.

breathe out

. 

it’s not a clear night.

misty rain slicks the steps, 

but my mind doesn’t mirror it. 

i want to live forever 

. 

breathe in 

.

a lover was with me last. 

i just remembered that, 

though the presence doesn’t linger

. 

breathe out   

. 

it’s so still tonight.

i feel still.

the last of summer’s crickets

wane on in the grassy stalks

below me,

no people shuffle along, 

cars hum & woosh on cement

in the background

.  

i haven’t breathed this deep 

in a while.

thank you 

(9/23/24)